SYDNEY — A local Rottweiler is described as "the Bella of the ball" that captured the hearts of all.

Bella not only has her own room at the SPCA, but also her own Facebook page and even a sugar daddy.

“It really was quite amazing, and certainly a love story through and through," said Daryl Timmons, office co-ordinator at the Cape Breton SPCA.

"Bella now lives here, upstairs in her very own room, surrounded by her favourite toys."

Timmons said family doctor Dr. Mark Sampson caught wind of Bella's sad story and became attached to her immediately.

"He bought her a big orthopedic bed and covers all her medical bills and that stuff," he said.

"He told us if there was ever anything she needs that we couldn't afford where we're non-profit, to let him know. Bella now has her very own sugar daddy."

Timmons said it all started March 17 when Bella was picked up in Glace Bay after being abandoned on the side of a road.

“She had been used extensively for breeding and was not well treated or cared for. Having outlived her usefulness to her family was simply dumped. She was picked up wandering aimlessly — hungry, sore and unkept.”

Timmons said Bella was welcomed at the shelter with open arms and caring hearts.

“She was afforded absolutely every bit of care that she needed — not to mention all the love, attention and spoiling she greatly deserved.”

Bella was up for adoption but there was little interest in her. However, the staff and volunteers fell in love with her and Bella also began to adopt those at the shelter as her family.

Shelter manager Jeff Dursi said the right fit through the public wasn't found and the staff and volunteers adopted her.

"It was pretty much a team decision," he said.

A few months back, Bella was diagnosed with inoperable cancer.

Bella is now not only the mascot for the branch, but the greeter to all visitors. She gives weekly adoption updates on the SPCA Facebook page and speaks up for animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

"She shares stories of her friends here that need homes and ones that get adopted," Timmons added.

Interest in Bella grew so much that she now has her own Facebook page — www.facebook.com/bellatherottweiler — that is gaining momentum every day.

"We have people who come down from Port Hawkesbury and Cheticamp just to see her," said Timmons.

Bella's page is full of pet advice, pictures and an open invitation to the public to attend the anniversary of when she was found by her new SPCA family. The celebration will be Sunday, beginning with an open house at the shelter from noon-2 p.m.

Bella's new room — complete with a La-Z-Boy chair — will be officially dedicated with a sign.

"People are welcome to bring presents for Bella and her friends at the shelter," Timmons said.

The open house will be followed by a family skate from 3-4 p.m. at the Bicentennial Arena, 200 Hospital St. in Sydney.

The public is encouraged to come see Bella, bring their skates and show their support.

Bella's family admits she is spoiled and loves Snausages dog treats, and shelter worker Mariah MacKay said Bella enjoyed a breakfast of Kentucky Fried Chicken on Christmas Day.

“Her presents were all wrapped up and she opened them herself. She loves stuffed animals with a squeaky in it.”

However, after a vet determined she could lose a few pounds, Bella's weight-loss challenge began, which people can follow on her Facebook page.

"Now we have her down eight pounds since Feb. 10,” Timmons said.

Timmons said Bella also has an extensive wardrobe that includes a tiara and a tutu, a St. Patrick's Day outfit, a Christmas sweater, and even rainbow-coloured clothing for Pride Week.

"We've dressed her up as a princess and for Halloween she went as Sandy from 'Grease,' wearing an orange tutu and a Pink Ladies jacket."

Anyone wishing to adopt an unwanted dog or cat can telephone the SPCA at 539-7722.